The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Department of Health has finalized preparations for a province-wide HPV vaccination campaign scheduled for November 2026, aiming to protect girls from cervical cancer. The initiative will provide free HPV vaccine to all eligible girls aged 9 to 14 years, with a target of vaccinating approximately 2.9 million individuals.
Campaign Targets and Strategy
According to the Health Department, the campaign includes 1.6 million school-going girls and 1.3 million out-of-school girls. A two-pronged strategy has been adopted: school-going girls will be vaccinated through special sessions at government and private educational institutions, while out-of-school girls will be reached via community outreach sessions, mobile vaccination teams in remote and underserved areas, and fixed vaccination centres at public health facilities.
Coordination and Oversight
A Provincial Steering Committee, chaired by the Secretary of Health, will provide overall guidance and oversight. A Technical Committee headed by the Director General Health Services will handle technical planning, execution, and inter-departmental coordination. Representatives from relevant departments—including Elementary & Secondary Education, Higher Education, Private Schools Regulatory Authority, Auqaf, Social Welfare, Local Government, and Information—have been nominated to support the campaign. Provincial and district focal persons from the Education Department and other agencies have also been appointed.
Medical and Community Support
The initiative has strong backing from the medical community. Leading organizations such as the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Pakistan (SOGP) and the Pakistan Paediatric Association (PPA) are providing technical support. Their involvement reflects a broad medical consensus on the safety, efficacy, and importance of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer.
A comprehensive communication and community engagement strategy has been developed to create public awareness and build trust. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials—including posters, banners, brochures, radio messages, and social media content—will be widely disseminated before and during the campaign. Civil society organizations have also been engaged to address misconceptions, strengthen community confidence, and encourage parents and guardians to ensure timely vaccination of their daughters.
Global Context of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. It is primarily caused by persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which spreads through skin-to-skin contact. Globally, over 350,000 women die from the disease each year, with the majority of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries where screening and treatment facilities are limited. The K-P campaign aims to significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer in the province.
